GOP leaders endorse Porzio

 

Saturday, October 28, 2006

By ROB HART

ADVANCE ALBANY BUREAU

The heavy hitters of Staten Island's Republican Party yesterday endorsed GOP and Conservative Civil Court candidate Ralph Porzio, citing his experience as a judge and integrity in the courtroom.

"He doesn't need any on-the-job training, and from day one can be an effective member of the judiciary," said Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio (R-South Shore), the borough GOP chairman, at his party's Grant City campaign headquarters.

Porzio was a Family Court judge for 10 years before withdrawing from consideration for a new term last year to pursue other legal opportunities after it appeared that the mayor's judicial screening panel would not grant him a full, 10-year reappointment to the bench. There was speculation at the time that city agencies appearing in Family Court, including the Administration for Children's Services, may not have liked the strict way in which Porzio conducted his courtroom, and complained to City Hall.

Assembly candidate Anthony Xanthakis said that, as an attorney, he could speak to Porzio's "experience and integrity." Xanthakis is facing Democrat Janele Hyer-Spencer for the seat of retiring Assemblyman Matthew Mirones.

"He means every word he says and cares so deeply about this community," said City Councilman Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore). Lanza faces Democrat Matthew Titone and Conservative Charles Pistor for the seat of retiring state Sen. John Marchi (R-Staten Island).

"For the nearly 20 years I've known him, he's always been an articulate, rational and reasonable guy," said Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn), who couldn't be at the event.

Mirones (R-East Shore/Brooklyn), also unable to attend, issued a statement saying Porzio had a "strong and unwavering commitment to the rule of law."

"These words have been fantastic and humbling," Porzio said.

Porzio and Democrat Kim Dollard are running for the Islandwide Civil Court seat left vacant by Judge Eric Vitaliano. Democratic Judge Barbara Panepinto, who was cross-endorsed by the GOP, is also running for re-election to her Civil Court Islandwide seat. The top two vote-getters will be elected.

 

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